HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the «Age and migration» in Slovakia

The Roma make up ten per cent of Slovakia's population. Their houses are often in a state of disrepair, while malnutrition and poor sanitation form part of their daily lives. More than 90 per cent are unemployed. They have insufficient access to education, balanced nutrition and to medical care. With 85 000 Hungarian-speaking members, the Reformed Church in Slovakia is alive to the situation of minorities and has the potential to build bridges to the Roma community and to the Slovak-speaking community. HEKS/EPER supports church parishes in developing projects for the social inclusion of the Roma. Remedial lessons are given at school for Roma children and young people to improve their educational opportunities; they are also offered life skills courses.

Facts

More than 90 per cent of the Roma lack sufficient access to education and work. HEKS/EPER and Reformed Church parishes are assisting them in becoming socially integrated.

Older migrants are often unfamiliar with the Swiss retirement system and with local facilities and care systems. The "HEKS/EPER AltuM" project is designed to improve living conditions, from a health and social standpoint, of immigrants 55 years and over living in the Cantons of Zürich and Aargau, as well as in Eastern Switzerland and Vaud. Through health education programmes and participation in specific activities and events, men and women learn to take better care of their health. Older migrants get to know about the relevant schemes and institutions and are encouraged to spread the word in their social network.